THis faith is not borne with vs , neither groweth it out of our corrupt nature , Ephe. 2. 8. nor is bought with earthly treasure , nor attained vnto by the labour and industrie of man : but is the free and gracious gifte of GOD vnto his children , whom he loued from before al beginnings , wrought in their heartes by his spirite , through the preaching of the Gospel . Which spirit is therefore called the spirit of adoption , Rom. 8. 15. because it beareth witnes vnto our spirits , that we are the children of God , and heires of his kingdome , teaching vs with boldenes & confidence to crie Abba father : and the Gospel preached , is called the arme of the Lorde , Esai . 53. 1. and the mightie power of God vnto saluation . The grounde and foundation of our faith is the worde of God , Rom. 1. 16. especially that part thereof , which contayneth his moste louing promises made vnto vs in Jesus Christe . This woorde was geuen vnto man from heauen , firste by the Lord himselfe , speaking vnto the Fathers in his owne person , then by the ministery of his holy angels , after by his seruauntes the Prophetes . Hebr. 1. 1. Last of all by his owne Sonne , Col. 2. 3. in whome are all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge hidde . This worlde remaineth vnto vs in the recordes of the olde and newe Testament which bookes were written by the holie men 2. Pet. 1. 21. of GOD his Prophetes and Apostles , 2. Tim. 3. 16. inspired by the holy Ghost , & is profitable , to teach , to confute , to reprooue , to instructe in all righteousnesse , that the man of God may be perfect , and perfectly instructed vnto euerie good woorke : contayning all thinges necessarie for vs to knowe vnto eternall life , Prou. 30. 6. from whiche we may not take any thing , Deut. 4. 2. neither put anie thing vnto it . This worde is plaine and easie to bee vnderstood of them that desire to doe the will of God , Iohn . 7. 17. and seeke after wisedome in humilitie , Prou. 6. 23. 8. 9. with calling vppon the name of the Lorde . Ephe. 6. 18. And that the worde might be made yet more profitable vnto vs , it hath pleased the Lord , vnto that libertie wee haue of reading , hearing read , studying and meditation of his holy scriptures , knowing the weakenes of our capacitie , dulnes of vnderstanding , hardnesse and vntowardenesse of our corruption , in great wisedome and mercie to ordeine , that the same woorde might be applied vnto vs , by the holy ministrie of preaching , wherevnto he sanctifieth and annointeth by the giftes of his spirit , such as he hath chosen , and doeth sende foorth into the labour of his haruest . Matt. 9. 28. Of which S. Paule speaketh , when he saith , Ephes. 4. 8. that Christ ascending vp into heauen , and leading captiuitie captiue , gaue giftes vnto men , and filled al things , that there might be in his church some Apostles , some Prophets , some Euangelistes , some Pastors and teachers , to the knitting together of the Saintes , to the woorke of the ministerie , and building vp of the bodie of Christ , vntill wee all come vnto the vnitie of faith , and of the knowledge of the sonne of God , vnto a perfit man , euen vnto the perfect grouth of the stature of Christ : & that we might not be tossed and carried with anie blast of doctrine , either by the declining frailtie of our owne corruption , or by the exercised subtiltie of our aduersarie . This ministerie is called the ministerie , 2. Cor. 18. 19. and ambassage of peace & reconciliation , which the Lord hath put in the mouthes of all his ministers , that being Legates and Ambassadours insteade of Christ , as if God himselfe intreated vs by them , it might be saide vnto vs in the name of Christ , be yee reconciled vnto God . Math. 5. 13. 14. These are the salt of the earth and the light of the world . For the same God , which in the beginning , 2. Cor. 4. 6. commaunded light to shyne out of darknes , is he that shineth in the heartes of his seruauntes , that they might giue foorth the light of the knowledge of the glorie of God , in the face of Jesus Christ . Who him selfe saieth , that as Moses lift vp the serpent in the deserte , Iohn . 3. 14. so must the Sonne of man be lift vp , that all that beleeue in him should not perish , but haue euerlasting life . And S. Paule saith , that the Gospel preached , Gal. 3. 1. is a most liuelye painting out of Christe before our eyes , 1. Cor. 2. 23. and a visible crucifying of him in our sight . And though it be counted of the worlde foolishnesse , and esteemed as ouer weake a meanes to so great a woorke , Rom. 1. 16. yet is it the mightie power of GOD vnto saluation , 1. Cor. 1. 21. and the highe wisedome of the Lorde , by the foolishnes whereof , 1. Cor. 1. those shal be saued that beleeue . It is the Gospel of Christ , and the same preached , wherewith it pleaseth the Father , to beget vs againe vnto himselfe , Iac. 1. 18. that we might be the first fruites of his creatures : being borne a newe , 1. Pet. 1. 23. 25. not of mortal seede , but of immortall , by the woorde of God , which woorde abideth for euer : and the same is it , saith S. Peter , which is preached . This is that moste excellent forme of Doctrine , wherevnto the Lorde hath committed vs to be taught , Rom. 6. 17. that being obedient thervnto , we might be deliuered , not onely from the guiltines of sinne , but also from the seruitude and bondage of the same . As the Spirit of God , first beginneth to work faith in our hearts by the woord of the Gospell preached , so doeth he continue , nourish , confirme , & encrease faith in vs , by the self same meanes . Wherfore S. Peter exhorteth vs , that as newe borne babes wee shoulde long after , that sincere milke of the woord , that by it wee may growe vp : and comming vnto Christ , which is the liuely stone , 1. Pet. 2. 2. 5. our selues also , as liuing stones , may be builte vp a spirituall house vnto God , 1. Pet. 2. 2. 5. and made an holy priesthoode , to offer vp spirituall sacrifices , acceptable vnto God through Jesus Christ . And when wee are passed the age of our infancie in Christ , the same word preached is our sound & fast meate , wherwith the Lord still feedeth vs in his familie , 1. Cor. 3. 2. vntill that , Heb. 5. 13. 14. hauing finished the course of this life , and ended the daies of our pilgrimage and warrefare in this worlde , hee take vs home into his owne kingdome .

Unto the worde of the Gospell preached , Sacraments . for the more strengthening & confirming of our faith , in the assurance of our saluation by Christ , it hath pleased God , in like wisedom and goodnesse towards vs , knowing our weakenes , and pittying our infirmitie , to adde the vse of two holy Sacramentes , Baptisme , and the Supper of the Lord , The Sacrament of Baptisme , Babtisme . is an holy signe & seale , Iohn . 1. 33. annexed by God himself , vnto the promises of the Gospel , to witnesse and pledge vnto vs , the forgiuenes and washing away of our sinnes in the sacrifice of the death of Christ : Act. 2. 38. and our iustification before the Maiestie of Gal. 3. 27. God , in the perfection of his obedience : also our ingrafting into that bodie , wherof Christ is the head , Ephesi. 4. 16. from whom streameth the fountaines of life and grace , into all his members . Further that being baptized into his death , Rom. 6. 3. wee shall by the power thereof die vnto sinne , and by the power of his rising againe , be our selues raised vp in a newe creature , to walke before him in true holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life , Luke . 1. 75. and that we shall be raised vp in the last day out of the dust of earth , 1. Cor. 15. 29. 23. and meete the Lorde in the aire , and dwell with him for euer . In the meane time , that as we are by one Sacrament of Baptisme , Ephe. 4. 4. coupled vnto one heade : so we should consent together , in vnitie of spirite , preseruing the same by the bond of peace , endeuouring those things which first appertaine vnto the glorie of God , and then not seeking euery one his owne in priuate , 1. Cor. 10. 24. but as members of one body , mutually the edifying and profite one of another .

The Supper of the Lorde , The Supper of our Lord. being a seale of the same promises , Iohn 6. 51. further witnesseth and sealeth vnto our consciences , that Christ is that breade of life , Iohn . 6. 51. which came downe from Heauen , and fountaine of saluation , of which , who so tasteth shall liue for euer . And that as truely as our bodies by natural meanes , are made partakers of the creatures of bread & wine , vnto the nourishment of this present life : so our soules , by the hande and mouth of faith , through the power of the spirite of God , are made partakers of the body and blood of Christ , that , he dwelling in our hearts by fayth , Ephesi. 2. wee might become bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , vnto the assured hope of euerlasting saluation . Ephesi. 5. 30.

Also in this Sacrament , is not onely confirmed vnto vs , the misticall vnion betwene Christ and his Church , but also taught vs , 1. Cor. 10. 17. what vnitie and loue ought to be amongst vs , which being all partakers of one bread , and one wine , are first coupled vnto one head Jesus Christ , as members of his bodie , and then mutually made members one of another .

Unto the worthie receiuing of this holy Sacrament , it is required that wee should examine our selues , 1. Cor. 11. 28. first howe wee haue profited vnder the word in the knowledge of the misteries of our redemption . Secondly , what comfort we haue receiued , by applying the same vnto our owne consciences . Thirdly , what griefe wee haue conceiued in heart , for our sinnes past , and what hatred and detestation of all that is contrarie vnto the will of God : what purpose wee haue , the rest of our life to cease from sinne , and to follow after righteousnesse , 2. Th●s . 3. 1. that the Gospel maye bee glorified in vs which doe professe it . Last of all , whether as wee assure our selues of peace with God in Jesus christ , Rom. 5. 1. so we be at peace with our brethren , Matth. 5. 23. reconciling our selues vnto those whom we haue offended : and forgiuing vnto others the offences , they haue committed against vs , Ephe. 4. 32. euen as freely as we would the Lord should forgiue vs .

ALbeit the whole worke of our saluation stand sound and perfect vnto vs in all respectes , without our selues in Jesus Christ , so that we may boldly say with Saint Paule , being then iustified by fayth , we haue peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ , Rom. 5. 1. and doe glorie in hope of the glorie of God : Yet is not Christ the minister of sinne , Gal. 1. 17. nor the Gospel a doctrine , Rom. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. that giueth libertie vnto euil : but contrariwise the death of Christ , is of power in those that beleeue in him , to cause them to die vnto sinne , and to be mortified in the olde Adam of this fleshe , with the lustes and concupiscences of the same . And the Gospel teacheth vs , that the true members of Christ , Rom. 8. 1. must and do walke , not after the fleshe , but after the spirit , 1. Cor. 6. 20. offring vp themselues , Rom. 12. their soules and bodies , and all that they haue , an holy and acceptable sacrifice of spiritual worship vnto God : inquiring to knowe , and labouring to performe , that good perfect and acceptable will of God , reuealed in his worde . Also the same spirit , which is called the spirit of adoption , because it teacheth vs to crie , Abba father , and beareth witnesse vnto our spirites , that we are the children of God , and heires of his kingdom , being the seale , Ephe. 1. 13. wherewith hee hath sealed vs , and the gage , whereby he hath pledged vnto vs all his promises of mercie in Christ , is also the spirit of mortification , whereby is mortified in vs the workes of the flesh , our olde Adam being crucified with Christ in his Crosse : Rom. 6. 6. and the spirit of sanctification , and of our new birth , quickening in vs a newe creature , and fashioning vs againe after image of God , Luke . 1. 70. to walke before him in righteousnes and true holinesse all the dayes of our life . Also this doctrine is both taught and sealed vnto vs , yea the trueth and effect thereof exhibited and perfourmed , in the vse of the holy Sacraments , Rom. 6. which both of them teache vs to die vnto sinne , and liue vnto righteousnesse , & assure vs , that as the Gospel was preached vnto the fathers , with this effect , that they might be condemned according vnto men , that is , in the flesh , 1. Pet. 4. 6. but liue according vnto God , that is , in the spirit : so the same shal be accomplished , in al the true members of Christ , Rom. 6. 3. the one by the power of his death , the other by the power of his resurrection : which thing ought not a little to comfort and incourage vs , in that great and daungerous conflict , with the flesh , the worlde , and the diuell : when we knowe that our victorie standeth not in our owne strength , which is none , but in the inuincible power of him , which came to destroy the works of Satan , and in whose crosse our olde man is so mortified , Rom. 6. 6. as the bodie of sinne is weakned in vs , which do beleeue . Unto whom also he hath giuen that spirit to dwell in vs , whereby he hath promised to quicken our mortal bodies , Rom. 8. 11. which now in part are subdued vnder sinne .

That we haue , The third commaundement . and vse in most highe reuerence his holie name , woorde and workes , & whatsoeuer else he is knowen vnto vs by , that we know him to be the searcher of all hartes , the rewarder of all sinceritie and truth , and the reuenger of all hypocrisie , blasphemie , false and vaine swearing , with all other prophaninges and abusinges of his most blessed name and religion .

That we sanctifie the Lordes Sabboth , The fourth commaundement . not doing therein our owne wil , nor walking our owne wayes , Esai . 58. 13. nor speaking our own wordes , but ceasing from the honest labours of our lawful callings ( much more from vayne and hurtfull pastimes , Stage playes , Dicing , carding , &c. ) that with all libertie , and quietnesse , both of mind & bodie , we may with our families attend vpon those publique exercises of religion , which the Lord hath in wisedome and mercie , appointed for his owne worshippe , and for our edifying : Assembling our selues together , to heare his holy woorde , learne and lay vp the same in our hearts , for the ordering of our liues , celebrate his holy sacraments , and with one heart and one voice , call vpon his name , rendring vnto his maiestie , most humble and hartie thankes , for al mercies hitherto bestowed vppon vs , and crauing new benefites and blessinges at his handes necessarie for vs and his whole Churche , 1. Tim. 4. 8 both for this present life , and also for the life to come .

The seconde table of the lawe requireth , that wee should loue our neighbours as our selues . The fifth commaundement containeth those dueties , The fifth commandement . which apperteine vnto our seuerall callings , commaunding children , that they honor , loue , Children . obey , and relieue their parentes , remembring that the Lorde hath made them instrumentes of great mercies vnto their children . Parentes , Parents . that beside naturall dueties of nourishment , and prouiding for them in earthly things , they bring them vp , not in idlenes , wantonnes , and vanitie , but in the feare and nurture of the Lord , Ephe. 6. 4. teaching them his wayes in their youth , Prou. 22. 6. that they may not forsake them in their age , & training them in such honest exercises of labour , or studie , as whereby they may be prepared , to serue the Lorde in his Church , or in the common weale , for his glorie , and the profite of his people : Chastising them with the rod of correction , Prou. 22. 15. that both foolishnes may be chased out of their heartes , Pro. 23. 13. 14. and their soules preserued from death : Also in wisedome when necessitie shall require , prouide for them the remedie of their incontinencie , commaunded of the Lord , which is Mariage . 1. Cor. 7. 36.

Seruauntes , Seruantes . that they be humbly subiect vnto their bodily maisters in all things , Ephe. 6. 5. in the Lord , Col. 3. 22. seruing them with all quietnesse diligence and faithfulnesse , Ios. 24. 15. as in the sight of God . Maisters , Maisters . that they with their families serue the Lord , teaching & instructing them in all the will of God , and knowledge of their saluation . ●en. 18. 19. Ministring vnto them all necessarie and iust thinges , for their honest maintenance , correcting in them , Col. 4. 1. as well the offences committed against God , as those committed against themselues .

Wiues , Wiues . that they beare themselues reuerently , and obediently , towardes their husbandes , in all things , adorning themselues , not outwardly in the bodie , with golde and precious attire , but in the inwarde man of the minde , with humilitie , 1. Pet. 3. 4. modestie , quietnes of spirite , sobernes , chastitie , &c. Husbandes , that they loue their wiues , as their owne bodies , Husbandes . dwelling with them according vnto knowledge : geuing honour vnto the woman , Ephe. 5. 28. as vnto the weaker vessell , 1. Pet. 3. 7. seeyng they are heires together of the grace of life , that their prayers bee not hindred . Subiectes , that they yeelde all honour , Subiectes . obedience and tribute , vnto their magistrates , not onely for feare , but also for conscience , as vnto the ministers of God , Rom. 13. 4. whom he hath set ouer them , for their greate and singuler benefite . Magistrates , Magistrates . that their songues be continually of mercie and iudgement , Psal. 101. 1. ruling the Lordes people committed vnto their charge in all peace , godlinesse and honestie , punishing the wicked and rewarding the weldoer , 1. Tim. 2. 2. defending the innocent , straunger , fatherlesse , widowe , and him that hath none to helpe him , Iob. 29. 12. breaking the iawe of the vnrighteous man , Leuit. 17. 19. 15. and taking the pray out of his mouth : fiinally , not respecting any mans person , without all corruption to administer iustice , 2. Cron. 19. 6. remembring that iudgement is the Lordes . The people , People . that they bee obedient vnto their Pastoures and Teachers , Heb. 13. 17. submitting themselues firste vnto the Lorde , and then also vnto them , which watch for their soules , Ezech. 3. 18. and shall render an accompt for their bloode : that they may labour the woorke of the Lordes Uineyarde , with ioy , and not with mourning , Gal. 6 6. for that is vnprofitable : communicating also with them , all good thinges , sowing by this meanes vnto the spirit , that thence they may reape eternall life . Gal. 6. 8. Ministers , Ministers . that they be faithful disposers of the mysteries of God , 1. Cor. 4. 1. euen the treasures of his kingdome committed vnto their trust ; carefull , and painefull in the labour of the Lordes haruest , setting alwayes before their eies , that terrible day of Gods iudgment : and thereby , as also by the loue of Christ , 2. Cor. 5. 11. 14. to be constrained , to bring men vnto the faith : not seeking them selues and their owne , but Jesus Christ , and then those that be his , that they may be saued : feeding the Church of Christ , not with the doctrines of men , but with the pure and sincere milke of the Gospel of God . Not in ostentation of any gift , 1. Pet. 2. nor desiring to please men , 1. Cor. but to approoue them selues vnto euerie conscience , 2. Cor. in the sight of God , with all singlenes of heart , and simplicitie of speach , 1. Cor. deliuering the word of life , ioyning spiritual thinges with spirituall thinges , as becommeth . Finally , all estates and conditions of men , that learning their seuerall dueties out of the woorde of God , they reuerently humble themselues vnto the obedience of the same .

The sixth commaundement forbiddeth The sixth commandement . all murder and shedding of innocent bloode , all fighting , quarreling , and prouoking one an other , all hatred , malice , enuie , and desire of reuenge : Also , Rom. 12. 19. it commandeth all the dueties of compassion , in sauing , defending , and releeuing the person , life , and health of our neighbour .

The seuenth , forbiddeth all vncleannesse , both of bodie and minde , The seuenth commaundement . in deede , woorde , gesture , or behauiour whatsoeuer : that we assault not the chastitie of anie , nor be accessarie vnto their filthines : 1. Thes. 4. 4. It commaundeth vs to kepe our vesselles in honour , 1. Cor. 6. 15. 19. as the members of Christ , and temples of the holy Ghost , that we may sanctifie the Lord , 1. Cor. 6. 15. 19 both in our soules and in our bodies , which are the Lordes : and for the reliefe of our incontinencie , to marie , onely in the Lord.

The eight , forbiddeth al robbing & stealing , The eight commaundements . al oppression & hard dealing , al iniurie and wrong , Ephes. 4. howsoeuer it be colloured with Lawe : all withdrawing and withholding of that appertaineth to another : all fraude , deceit , and cosinage in woorde , weight , measure , ware , all couetousnes and greedines of earthly thinges , commaundeth vs to acknowledge and reuerence the wisedome and goodnes of God , in dispensing and bestowing these outwarde thinges : to be content the Lord distribute his blessing as liketh him selfe , to walke faithfully and diligently in our callings , Ephe. 4. 28. laboring with our handes the thing that is good , to be instructed how to want and how to abound , Phil. 4. 11. 12. and in all things to be content with our present estate , waiting with patience vpon the good prouidence of God , in all our necessities . And according vnto the measure wee haue receiued , to beare our selues faithfull stewardes and distributers of the seueral graces of God , 1. Pet. 4. 10. for his glorie , & the benefite of our brethren . The nienth forbiddeth all false witnes bearing in iudgement or otherwise , all sclaundering , The nienth commaundement . backebyting talecarying , discrediting , and dishonoring of others , all lying , scoffing , iesting , vaine , & vnsauorie speaches , flattering , dissembling and feining , all vncouering the secreates of our brethren . All bosting , vaunting of our selues or others . It commaundeth vs , to maintaine honour and credit of all , and those especially , to whome the Lorde hath committed anie part of gouernment , either in his church or in the common wealth : In al our speaches to be iust , simple , modest , and louing . &c.